In November of 2008, we had a historic national election in which our city and the nation dared to aspire to a new and better world. Here in our dear Richmond we made significant gains toward a better government, bringing more fairness and balance to our societal responsibilities.

I thank you profoundly for your endorsement and your amazing support and help for my candidacy to the Richmond City Council. I am proud of having run a meaningful, clean, and educational campaign. We did not accept any money from big business, we kept the campaign positive, and we reached out to all voters in every neighborhood with a strong grassroots cadre of volunteers. Although this was my first run for office, and I was introducing myself and my ideas to many who did not know me, I am very proud that 11,090 voters voted for me (only a few hundred votes short of victory), the second highest number of votes ever received by a woman in Richmond elections.

I am also joyful and grateful for the success of Measure T, A Fair Share for Richmond, which I worked hard to put on the ballot and to present to the voters during my campaign.
Measure T makes Richmond fairer and financially healthier.

With my gratitude to all these voters I am re-committing myself to the challenges of re-inventing Richmond. I am eager to answer the inspiring call from President Barak Obama for maturity, responsibility, creativity and hard work for the common good.

I continue to be a candidate for the Richmond City Council, and I look forward to another great campaign and to a successful electoral outcome in 2010. I will appreciate your ideas, suggestions and support on this path. Call me at any time (510-496-2711) or send me an email (Jovanka@JovankaBeckles.org). Pull together some friends and let me meet them, hear from them and share my thoughts. Your financial support is also appreciated. We have a paypal account on our website.

Lastly, I want to thank each of you for all your contributions to the people of Richmond. Everything that you have contributed-- and continue to give -- is blossoming into the future we all dream for our city.

Peace and blessings,

Jovanka

Dear friend of Richmond: :

My name is Jovanka Beckles and I am running for Richmond City Council. I love this City of Richmond where I live and work. I see all its potential. I see great need for healthy change here in our city. I realize how much positive progressive change it needs to become the city of our dreams. I know it is possible to build this together. We must move forward to address our current, as well as our future needs.

The election of President Barack Obama signaled that the country was ready for change. We need change at our local levels as well. It is ultimately up to each and every one of us, in every neighborhood to participate in creating the local changes that we want to see.

We have, in Richmond’s history, very proud moments of great achievements that have benefited all of our residents. When we were able to come together from many perspectives and backgrounds and support our common interests and aspirations we have excelled (see: The Gary Family in Richmond ).

We continue to change the image of Richmond to reflect what we know to be true- that Richmond is a city of many distinct communities that reflect the diversity of culture, interests, talents and possibilities. We can be proud of Richmond’s past history event as we continue to make history.

We find ourselves today faced with the great opportunity of re-defining the city where we live. Practicing forward thinking, we have put Richmond on the map as a city willing to make a way for a green economy that supports rather than harms the environment. In the coming years we can build a city-home with enough new jobs for all, by capitalizing on the booming Green jobs sector. We must create community where violence and crime is up-rooted, through a committed and unified effort by community members to Get Involved!. We deserve clean air to breath, great after school programs and libraries to learn, with parks and gardens and community places to enjoy and share. We must implement policies that dramatically and positively improve the quality of life for Richmond residents.

I feel even more strongly that it is particularly true for young people. I have had many sad opportunities to witness the despair of our youth. The worse was when I was the victim of a home invasion at gunpoint. As terrifying as that was for me, it was clear to me that those young, desperate men were equally terrified. They were not frightened of me: they were afraid of not having any obvious reason to hope for a good future with equal opportunities. We must address the root causes of this despair. We must show our children they are valued by providing all with a quality education, as well as positive actions and role models. The young men and women with whom I work every day want a future that is prosperous and safe. They are the ones who remind me that positive progressive change is desperately needed and that, fortunately, it is in the air.

 I bring many talents to the Council. These include: my experience in dealing with the root causes of violence and crime, my integrity, my Masters degree in Business Administration, a no-nonsense business approach, my solid community values, a fresh vision and energy, along with my dedication to Richmond and my faith in its residents.

I ask for your help and support.
Together we can build that city that is a true home for all of us.

Positive Progressive Change is needed and it is in the air.